31st MEU, JGSDF execute small-unit training [Image 3 of 4]

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.05.2014

Photo by Pfc. Brian Bekkala 

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit       

U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, right, speaks with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lt. Gen. Naotada Moriyama after exchanging gifts during a visit with Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, at the Central Training Area Feb. 5. As part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program, a platoon of JGSDF members spent weeks living and integrating with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during the MEU’s pre-deployment training to better understand amphibious operations to enhance security and stability of the region. The involvement of JGSDF members in the MEU’s regularly scheduled training comes in response to the April 2012 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, also known as the 2+2, statement calling for more dynamic defense cooperation and bilateral training. Moriyama is the commanding general of the 8th Division, JGSDF. Wissler commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force and commander of Marine Forces Japan. BLT 2/5 is with 31st MEU, III MEF.

• Date Taken: 02.05.2014
• Date Posted: 03.12.2014 02:38
• Photo ID: 1184528
• VIRIN: 140206-M-GR217-739
• Resolution: 5623x3794
• Size: 1.12 MB
• Location: CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JP